Cate Blanchett plays Veronica Guerin

The mother of murdered Irish journalist, Veronica Guerin, has been given a standing ovation at the Irish Film and Television Awards.

Bernie Guerin received the applause when she gave a speech after accepting the public vote award for the best Irish film.

Veronica Guerin, which stars Cate Blanchett in the title role, has been a huge hit in Ireland.

Ms Guerin, who wrote for Ireland's Sunday Independent, was murdered in 1996 after writing a series of exposes on Dublin's drugs dealers and crime bosses.

She was shot by a gunman on a motorcycle as she sat in her car at traffic lights.

Ms Guerin wrote about the dark side of Dublin society

Blanchett recently said she was "fascinated" by the story but also said she felt "enormous responsibility" towards the reporter's family.

It is directed by Phone Booth's Joel Schumacher and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, usually known for all-action Hollywood blockbusters.

The Irish Film and Television Awards ceremony took place in Dublin's Burlington Hotel on Saturday evening.

County Antrim actor James Nesbitt was another recipient, picking up the award for best actor in a television drama for the BBC Northern Ireland series Murphy's Law.

Director Neil Jordan was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

The awards featured 27 industry categories which were judged by a jury panel such as best Irish film, director and television drama.

There were also public awards for best Irish film, best Irish TV personality and best Irish actress or actor.